The 2022 NFL Draft is just around the corner. As the pro days wind down, the private workouts begin to wind up. The rumors will continue to grow with only a few weeks till the draft. We will hear all kinds of speculation and reports over the next few weeks. However, keep in mind, it is silly season, so believe very little of what you hear. That said, NFL teams are putting the final touches on their draft board. Some players have seen their stock go up recently, while others have seen it fall. Let’s look at three players whose stock has recently risen and three whose stock has recently fallen.
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Corral had become an afterthought of the quarterback class during the draft process. After he suffered an ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl, Corral was forced to miss the Senior Bowl and most of the combine. While all the talk has been about Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett, Corral had a productive pro day last week. A few weeks ago, Corral appeared to be sliding out of the first round. However, his pro day performance will likely make him a first-round pick. While he won’t be the first or second quarterback off the board, Corral has seen his stock bounce back. Expect him to be the third one to be selected on opening night.
Trevor Penning (OT – Northern Iowa)
Before the Senior Bowl, Penning was a possible late first-round pick. However, after his performance in Mobile, Penning became a first-round lock. He then had an impressive performance at the combine, only improving his stock. While he hasn’t seen his stock take a massive jump up recently, Penning has consistently risen his stock through every step of the pre-draft process. While he doesn’t get the same media attention as the top three offensive tackles in the draft, don’t be surprised if Penning goes before one of them on draft night. While he needs some work in pass protection, Penning is one of the top run blockers in the draft class. A team like the Seattle Seahawks may value his elite run blocking ability and take him with their first-round pick.
Everyone knows quarterbacks get pushed up draft boards come the draft. Another position that tends to get pushed up is edge rushers. All signs point to Aidan Hutchinson being the first player off the board. Following Hutchinson, Travon Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux are likely top-five picks. After that, it becomes unclear. While Purdue’s George Karlaftis is likely the next edge rusher off the board, don’t be surprised if Mafe gets picked shortly after. The Minnesota product had a productive senior year with seven sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. Furthermore, he had an impressive 42-inch vertical jump at his pro day, ranking in the 99th percentile. Edge rushers with raw athleticism and explosiveness tend to creep up draft boards the closer we get to the draft.
Stock Down
At the end of the college football season, Linderbaum was a likely top-10 pick despite playing center. However, his stock has slipped over the past two months. The first strike against him was the position he plays. Some believe the center position is the least important on the offensive line. With his inability to play guard, Linderbaum lacks versatility, unlike Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green. The second strike against Linderbaum was his measurements at the combine. His arms measured at 31 and 1/8-inch. He also weighed in at 296 pounds. Both will knock him down on some teams’ big board. Linderbaum will be a first-round pick. However, he likely ends up going in the mid-20s rather than the top 10.
David Ojabo (EDGE – Michigan) & Damone Clark (LB – LSU)
Sometimes we wish we could turn off injuries like it was a game of Madden. Unfortunately, we can’t. Over the past few weeks, Ojabo and Clark suffered injuries that will likely knock them out for the 2022 season. Ojabo suffered a torn Achilles at his pro day, while Clark will have spinal fusion surgery after an MRI taken at the combine revealed a herniated risk. Both were likely top 75 picks before the injuries, with Ojabo a possible top-10 selection. Unfortunately, both will see their draft stock slip because of their injuries. Ojabo likely slides out of the first round, while Clark will be a day three pick if drafted at all.
The Elite Offensive Tackles
In early March, Evan Neal was the favorite to be the first overall pick. However, after the Jacksonville Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Cam Robinson and added Brandon Scherff in free agency, their need for offensive line help has lessened. The Detroit Lions pick second and don’t need an offensive tackle. Many thought the Houston Texans would trade Laremy Tunsil and replace him in the draft. However, that is no longer the case after they restructured Tunsil’s contract. The New York Jets pick fourth but addressed their offensive line in free agency. Before free agency, many thought Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, and Charles Cross would go in the top five picks. However, it now appears that only one could go that high.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.